Norway August 2013: Mazda CX-5 only 8 units below VW Golf, Tesla above Honda, Citroen and Renault!

Mazda CX-5

* NOW UPDATED with actuals for the Top 20 models and Top 33 All-brands! See title *

Contact me at matt@bestsellingcarsblog.com for a more in-depth analysis of this market.

The Norwegian new car market is down 1% year-on-year in August to 11,660 registrations, which means the year-to-date total is now up by only 0.6% on 2012 at 93,616 units. If the VW Golf maintains itself in pole position thanks to 514 sales and 4.4% share and thus reinforcing its 2013 year-to-date lead, the big event is in 2nd place: the Mazda CX-5 misses the top spot in Norway for only 8 units at 506 sales! Although it is the 5th time the CX-5 ranks #2 in Norway (all of them this year), it is the closest it’s ever been to top a country’s sales charts, anywhere in the world! The Toyota Auris delivers a great month as well, up 5 ranks on July to land on the third spot of the podium, helping Toyota take the brand crown away from Volkswagen for the 2nd month running.

Tesla Model S

Norway is the European champion of eco-friendly cars, and this month is another proof. The Nissan Leaf is back up 3 spots to rank 4th with 448 sales and 3.8% share. It’s the nameplate’s 2nd best ranking and monthly volume (below the #2 and 455 units it reached last April) but by far its best-ever market share in the country and in the world. Other striking event confirming Norway’s electric car leadership: the Tesla Model S makes its very first appearance in any country’s Top 20 at #15 with 185 sales and 1.6% share! This also means Tesla is up to #17 in the brands ranking, above manufacturers like Honda, Citroen, Suzuki and Renault!

Peugeot 2008

Finally, notice the Audi A3 up 4 spots on July to #12, and the Peugeot 2008 breaking into the Norwegian Top 20 for the first time at #19 with 167 sales and 1.4% share.

Previous month: Norway July 2013: Mazda CX-5 back up to #2, Toyota RAV4 #4

One year ago: Norway August 2012: Subaru XV up to #6

Full August 2013 Top 20 models, Top 15 LCV and Top 33 All-brands Ranking Tables below.